A R Infant appointed as DGP in Karnataka

A day after Karnataka High Court struck down appointment of Shankar Bidari as DGP and IG and his empanelment and consequent appointment as 'null and void', the state government today appointed A R Infant in his place.

The court, in its verdict yesterday had struck down Bidari's appointment as state DGP and IG for alleged atrocities committed by the STF led by him during the hunt to nab forest brigand Veerappan.

It had dismissed as "without merit and substance", petitions by the government and Bidari, challenging the Central Administrative Tribunal order and held his empanelment by UPSC and consequent appointment as "void and illegal" and upheld the CAT verdict.

The court had also directed the government should relieve Bidari forthwith and appoint A R Infant in his place.

Infant was DGP Fire and emergency Services before his present appointment.

Earlier Home Minister R Ashoka had said Infant would be appointed to the post, saying Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda had a meeting with senior officers, after which it was decided to give charge to A R Infant as DGP.

He also said the government would move the Supreme Court against the High Court verdict, as it has to protect the interests of the state.

"Since the appointment of the DGP comes under the state government, we have told our Advocate General to appeal in Supreme Court", Asoka said.